talkmagic.co.uk

Hey

I was looking to get some advice from you guys on what effects/routines you would recommend to me.

I started off as a card man mainly and still am but I'm looking to branch out my magic.

The things I have which aren't related to cards or involve something else with cards are; eXile, CoinOne, 13 steps to mentalism, hundy 500, copper/silver and LIT.

I am think about getting the WOW because its a nice straight to the point effect.

However I just would like your opinions on what else you would recommend. I'm hoping to get into weddings, corporate events, bar/restaurant work etc. so anything which may be relate to these setting would be great.

Also I'm looking for a nice routine effect such as chop cups etc.

Any suggestions will be great =]

Sam.

You have loads already! The hallowed 13 Steps is, in the words of a colleague of mine, a lifetime of material. It depends what you want to do. Chop cups is not mentalism. The 13 Steps is. If you are thinking about gigs then you are (sensibly) thinking commercially. In which case, consider your audience. Do they want Derren Brown (who is the centre of attention), or someone who circulates and entertains. I'd guess the latter, even though many here would love to be the former. So learn the chop cups.

Hi Sam. I noticed from your introduction that you enjoy using sleight of hand. If you would like to go into coins then a copy of Bobo would be a good idea, plenty of routines in there. As you're thinking about learning the chop cup why not go full hog and learn the cups and balls ? The Worlds Greatest Magic series has a dvd dedicated to the chop cup with many routines and ideas. If you decide to learn the cups and balls i recommend Michael Ammars Complete Cups and Balls. jim

It all depends on what you want to follow to be honest. You've got 13 Steps, there's enough in there to last you a very long time if that's the road you want to go down. If not then sponges, ropes and silks are all good fun and go down really well with an audience. I'd get a book on the basics of these if I were you.

The Mark Wilson Course covers the basics of just about Everything. You can decide which way to go from there.

Barry

I would tend to agree with the comments about 13 Steps.

I received my copy a couple of months ago and decided to take my time reading it to make sure I took things on board.

I still have not finished it completely and I have not taken everything on board, so will demand a re-read once I am done but the overwhelming choice is what startles me. Every Step/Chapter has something very unique to offer. If you are looking just for something to add, may I suggest choosing the chapter that sounds most interesting to you and reading it thoroughly. I think each chapter on it's own could easily supply an entire act with stuff to spare!

Since you mentioned weddings, do you know the anniversary waltz?
Also, starcycle by Dan harlan would be a nice momento to give the bride.
BTW, what is your style?
Seroius, comedy, or somewhere in the middle.

For weddings, there is some trick, that I cant remember the name of, which is like linking rings but the rigs are the shape of hearts, the linked hearts can be given out as a memento type thingy, Search "linking lover bands" on magictricks.co.uk if you are intrested, I think that was what they were called.

if you enjoy magic, dont feel the need to change to mentalism...stick to what you love...

try out the chop cup, and coin sleights...stay clear of gimmicks just now, too expensive and you become reliant on them...

try your best learning the skills and techniques first...you'll feel better and more proud of your yourself after doing so...save your money...

I personally feel that not enough magicians are turning to mentalism these days and so would urge you to do so...

However if you are to dig your heels in and stay with magic I would echo Lady of Mystery 's post to find some basic but comprehensive material on each prop you wish to learn and get cracking.

The "Worlds greatest......." Dvd collections are always pretty good.

Wedding and corporate close-up situations usually mean, very little table space! So for me cups and balls are a no-no. This is a parlour effect not close-up!

Ideally anything that brings the audience's focus away from the table and up to your face is what you are aiming for so $100 bill switch, gypsy thread, C & R rope etc. are ideal.

Effects should need little or no re-set between tables and everything should come from your pockets nothing screams "amateur" like waiting while the "wonder Worker" rummages through a case looking for the next prop.

Im with Ian. Stick with magic for now, rather than trying to branch out as a mentalist.
That's not to say that you shouldnt introduce some mental magic into your routine, Its just that you will find it much easier to routine the stuff with what you already do, if you go Mental lite.
Simple predictions, and drawing duplications, will serve you better than robbing someone of the power to stand up, or remember things.

so, invest in a decent peek wallet,( of which there are many) and if you dont have one already, do, do get a good quality finger chopper.

trust me, there is nothing people like more than having their finger chopped. I guarentee 100% that with a good prop, and a great routine, you will be doing gigs where you hardly touch the cards.

Most magicians tend to dislike card effects and assume their audience does too? I don't think that is a coincidence by the way. But the fact is most lay audiences love card magic. But I believe magicians should be well rounded. Get some coins going, some rope magic, torn and restored business card is wonderful (and still a card trick, BONUS). People love magic with silks they are big and colourful and easy to follow and add a certain elegance if used correctly. There are some great books on Magic With Everyday Objects which is also a lot of fun.

It has come to the point where everyone is now a mentalist, don't jump on the bandwagon, just don't do it! Walk away from the light. Wait for the fad the pass then sneak while nobody is watching.

i always wonder why, if people hate card tricks so much - there's so bleedin' many of them out there...why is there a market for them if they're not popular enough to perform?

honest question that...

I love the mental lite idea.
Lay do love card tricks..especially good ones.
For some crazy reason, a mental lite of 1 out of 6 can get a better response than a 1 out of 52 card trick.
I do not a have a clue why.
I like Kinney's approach to mental lite magic.
He does a gag (No) then a simple effect.
Nothing with crazy odds of doing.
My 2 cents is if you do a bunch of card tricks and end up pulling off a 1 out of a million mentalism effect, of course you knew the card I'd pick.